Terry Sears (Veteran)

Terry Joseph Sears, 73, of Hartsburg, died Friday, May 28, 2010, at St. Mary's Health Center. He was born on September 18, 1936 in Eldon, a son of Joseph and Maude Rowden Sears. He was united in marriage to Mary Jane Crum, on January 25, 1955, in Jefferson City. She preceded him in death on June 23, 2007. He was united in marriage to Carol Moreau Stegeman, on October 18, 2008, in Jefferson City, who survives at the home. He was a graduate of Jefferson City High School and attended the University of Missouri-Columbia. He previously worked as the office manager for IBM in Jefferson City, Kansas City and Oklahoma City, then as the Plant Manager for Carter Carburetor in Arkansas and North Carolina, until his retirement. After his retirement, he owned and operated his own landscaping business in Sanford, N.C. He served in the United States Navy Reserves, and was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Jefferson City and Emmanuel Congregational Christian Church, Sanford, N.C. He was the Drum Major for both the Jefferson City High School and the University of Missouri-Columbia. Terry enjoyed gardening, landscaping and taking care of his yard. He loved playing his guitar and was very particular about keeping his cars shining. Other survivors include: two daughters: Jennifer Brown and her husband Rex of Sanford, N.C., and Julie Taylor and her husband Stamey of Lillington, N.C.; son-in-law: Patrick Hanner of Sanford, N.C.; six grandchildren: Matt Brown, Chris Brown, Lauren Taylor, Brian Taylor, Paddy Hanner and Rory Hanner; three step-children; and eight step-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Janet Hanner; and his longtime step-father: Forrest Scrivner. Friends will be received from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 1, 2010, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. Daniel Hilty and Rev. Chris Dumas officiating. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 3, 2010, at the Buffalo Cemetery in Sanford, N.C., with Rev. Dick Leaptrott officiating. Expressions of sympathy may be made to American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com